The Rail Tech Policy marks a shift from experimental pilots to a structured, large-scale induction of technology. This initiative builds on the success of the 2022 "Startups for Railways" program but removes previous bureaucratic hurdles by creating a completely digital, end-to-end gateway for innovators.

Key Pillars of the 2026 Rail Tech Policy:

• The Rail Tech Portal: A unified digital platform that allows any innovator or departmental user to initiate a "challenge." The process is now a single-stage detailed submission, replacing legacy vendor selection mechanisms that relied on rigid, outdated specifications.

• Massive Funding Boost:

• Prototype Grants: The maximum grant for developing and testing functional prototypes has been doubled.

• Scale-up Grants: For technologies that prove successful, the grant for large-scale deployment has been increased more than three times.

• Cost-Sharing: The Ministry continues to offer up to 50% of development funding for viable solutions.

• Assured Procurement: Successful innovators are now promised substantial, long-term orders, providing the commercial certainty needed for startups to invest in specialized railway hardware.

• Intellectual Property (IP) Ownership: In a major win for entrepreneurs, the IPR remains exclusively with the innovator, allowing them to market their solutions globally after successful validation on the Indian network.

Targeted "Innovation Challenges" for 2026:

The Minister highlighted several high-priority areas where startups are encouraged to apply immediately:

• AI-Based Safety: Elephant Intrusion Detection Systems (EIDS) and AI-driven fire detection for coaches.

• Drone Surveillance: Using drones for autonomous broken rail detection and track inspection.

• Operational Efficiency: Sensor-based load calculation for parcel vans and AI-monitored coach cleaning.

• Environment Tech: Solar panel integration on coaches and obstruction detection for foggy conditions.

Strategic Impact:

This policy is a cornerstone of the "Reforms Express" agenda, aiming to make Indian Railways self-reliant and technologically superior. By opening the massive railway network as a live sandbox, the government is effectively turning the national transporter into a global launchpad for Indian deep-tech startups.